The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is cutting capacity by around 20% to get back to safe and reliable operations following weeks of disruption, delays and cancellations.
The airline cites a number of reasons for its recent scheduling troubles, including supply chain disruptions following the ramp-up of demand to pre-pandemic levels and a global shortage of spare parts for its aircraft. This led to longer turnaround times for engine overhauls and repairs for the group, which relies on external partners for those services.
MAG also blames its difficulties, in part on delays at Boeing and Airbus to provide it with new aircraft. The group was scheduled to receive 17 new aircraft orders as part of a fleet modernisation programme by this year. However, to date, it has only received 4 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft out of the 13 contractually agreed by 2024. For the A330neo, MAG was scheduled to receive 4 planes this year but is now expected to receive 3 committed by Airbus.
"Our focus is to prioritise customers first, ensuring we can deliver credible flight schedules and ensure the best possible customer experience moving forward. The reduced network involves 20% of our capacity, comprising Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal’s routes in Domestic Malaysia, ASEAN, North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Greater China, South Asia and the Middle East." the carrier said last week.
"We apologise and understand the frustration this has brought to our customers, and wish to assure that our team is working diligently to provide affected customers with compensation options available which include flight reallocations, and full refunds without any penalty charges."
